River stood at the edge of the reception, the low hum of music and laughter swirling around him, but his attention was fixated on the sight before him—Riley, his new bride, twirling Lucas in her arms. His six-year-old son’s face was lit up with pure joy, giggling as Riley danced with him, her smile as radiant as ever.His chest tightened at the sight. It was a strange feeling, one he hadn’t allowed himself to feel in so long—happiness mixed with a deep ache he couldn’t quite name.The way Riley fit so easily into this life, into his son’s world, was both comforting and terrifying. He wasn’t used to letting people in, not since Ellie.Before he could lose himself in the thought, River felt a heavy hand land on his shoulder. He didn’t need to turn around to know who it was.“Alexander,” River greeted, his voice a low rumble, eyes still fixed on Riley and Lucas.Alexander stood beside him, his gaze following River’s to the dance floor. For a long moment, neither of them spoke, the only s
They stared at each other for a moment. "You don't?" she asked quietly."No," River said, shrugging off his jacket and laying it on the couch near the bed."So, are we going to...um..." she stammered.She groaned inwardly. Why did she feel so tongue-tied in front of him? He was her husband now, for Christ's sake!"What are you trying to ask, Riley? Just spit it out," River asked, loosening his tie."It's our wedding night," she said softly, her hands fidgeting with the hem of her dress."Yes, it is," he said as he threw the tie at the chair."So I wanted to know if you are planning to...if we are going to...um...""Make love?" he asked. The corner of his mouth twitched up.Riley's cheeks flushed as River's words hung in the air. She felt a nervous flutter in her stomach, the tension between them growing."Yes," she finally managed, her voice barely above a whisper. "That.""Hmm...what do you think we should do, Riley?" he asked, his blue eyes twinkling.His question caught her off gua
River’s lips were warm and lingering against hers as he pulled back slightly, his eyes full of mischief and affection. He traced a gentle finger down her cheek, his touch both tender and possessive.“You still with me, Riley?” he asked teasingly, a playful glint in his eyes.Riley nodded, her breath still coming in soft, uneven gasps. “Yes. I’m here.”River smiled. “Good.”He shifted his position, positioning himself above her with a protective yet possessive air.He gave her a heated look, then positioned himself between her legs. With a deliberate and loving touch, he entered her, his movements slow and measured.Riley gasped at the sensation, her body arching to meet him. The fullness of him inside her was overwhelming yet deeply satisfying. She clung to him, her nails digging into his shoulders as she tried to catch her breath.River’s rhythm was steady and deliberate, his every thrust designed to draw out her pleasure. He watched her with hunger, his expression changing with each
“Aunty Val, when will Daddy and Riley come back?” Lucas asked and looked at Valerie innocently. Valerie looked down and smiled. “Soon.” “Why did they leave?” he asked. “Well, they just got married and newlywed couples are supposed to go on honeymoons,” Valerie said. Lucas looked deep in thought for a moment. “So…” he paused. Valerie looked at him questioningly. “What is it, Bud?” “If daddy married Riley, does that mean she is my new mommy?” Lucas asked.Valerie’s heart skipped a beat at Lucas’s innocent question. She crouched down to be at his eye level, her smile soft but thoughtful.“Well, Lucas,” she began, choosing her words carefully, “Riley loves your dad very much, and they just got married, which makes her a big part of your family now.”Lucas tilted his head, still trying to understand. “But does that mean she’s my new mommy?”Valerie reached out and gently ruffled his hair. “Riley cares about you a lot, Lucas. She wants to be there for you, just like your dad. But no one ca
Valerie couldn’t hold back her laughter anymore. “I came to get my sketchbook, but I think I just discovered your little secret hobby,” she teased, walking closer to him.Antonio cleared his throat, rubbing the back of his neck awkwardly. “It’s not what it looks like…”Valerie raised an eyebrow, still grinning. “Really? Because it looks like you’re knitting a scarf.”Her eyes suddenly turned wide. “Hold on…does this mean what I think it means?” she gasped.“I don’t know what you’re talking about, Bella,” he said.“All those times you gave me stuff as presents. Sweater for me, socks for Landon. Did you knit them yourself? You told me Nona made those!” she asked, laughing again.Antonio sighed, clearly caught but smiling sheepishly. “Alright, you got me,” he admitted, his voice warm with affection. “Yes, I knitted them. Nona did teach me when I was younger, but I didn’t think you’d find out this way.”Valerie shook her head, her laughter subsiding, but the amusement still shining in her
Riley’s hands trembled as she fumbled with her seatbelt, her heart pounding in her chest like a drum that refused to slow.She hated flying—the closed-in space, the unnatural sensation of leaving the ground, the helplessness of it all. The moment the plane’s engines roared to life, a wave of anxiety crashed over her, threatening to pull her under. Her breathing quickened, shallow and erratic.River, sitting beside her, seemed oblivious at first, his expression unreadable as he stared straight ahead. He had that same detached look he always wore around her, like he couldn’t decide whether to keep his distance or be close.But then, without a word, she felt his hand on hers.It wasn’t much—just a simple touch, but the warmth of his skin against hers sent a shock through her, grounding her in a way she hadn’t expected. Riley glanced at him, startled. His face was still impassive, his eyes fixed forward, but his hand remained, firm and steady, wrapping around hers.“River…” she began.He
As they stepped out of the airport, the warm Italian sun caressed Riley’s skin. River’s hand rested on the small of her back as he guided her towards a sleek black car waiting at the curb.“Mr. Foster,” the driver greeted with a nod, opening the door for them.Riley slid into the luxurious leather seat, marveling at the spacious interior. River settled beside her, his presence both comforting and electrifying.Riley couldn’t help but gaze out the window in awe. Ancient ruins stood proudly amidst modern buildings, a testament to the city’s rich history. The vibrant colors of the buildings, the lively chatter of people in the streets, and the mouthwatering scents wafting from quaint cafes all combined to create an enchanting atmosphere.“It’s beautiful,” she breathed, turning to River with a radiant smile.He met her gaze, a soft smile playing on his lips. “Never been, huh?”Riley felt a blush creep up her cheeks. She shook her head. “No. I’ve been to other countries in Europe, just not
The sun warmed River’s back as he walked through the narrow streets of Rome, Riley’s hand tucked safely in his. Her energy was infectious—her eyes wide as she absorbed everything around her, as if she had never seen a city before.He never met someone like her before. So full of…light.That’s what she was, and River realized that now. She was the light he didn’t think he needed in his life.She stopped every now and then, pointing out something he had already seen but pretended to be surprised for her. He couldn’t help but feel a warmth radiating in his chest when he looked at her cheerful face.It struck him how easily she found joy in the simplest moments, like the way she pointed at the architecture or shared stories about the gladiators.“Can you believe they used to fight lions in there?” she exclaimed, glancing back at him, her excitement infectious.River couldn’t help but smile a little at her enthusiasm. “Why are you so excited? Did you want to fight lions too?”“I think I’ll
Jacob returned Tiffany’s kiss with longing, his hands roaming down the slick skin of her back. Tiffany clung to him, pouring all her love and relief into the kiss.When they finally broke apart, breathless and flushed, Jacob rested his forehead against hers. “I love you, Tiffany. More than anything. And I promise, no matter what dangers come our way, we’ll face them together.”Tiffany smiled through the tears that pricked at her eyes, blending with the rivulets of water streaming down her face. “I love you too, Jacob. Always.”He kissed her again, soft and sweet, before reaching for the bottle of shampoo. With gentle hands, he began to wash her hair, his fingers massaging her scalp and working the suds through her long tresses. Tiffany leaned into his touch and closed her eyes, relishing the simple intimacy of the moment.As the water rinsed away the shampoo, Jacob’s hands drifted lower, skimming over her shoulders and down her arms. Tiffany shivered despite the heat, her skin tingling
Tiffany pushed past Marco without waiting for another word. Her mind raced as her feet carried her toward the front door. The thought of Jacob lying among the casualties tore through her like a blade, and she couldn’t bear the uncertainty.“Tiff, wait!” Riley called, hurrying after her.“I can’t,” Tiffany snapped over her shoulder, her voice tight with emotion. “I have to know if he’s okay.”River appeared at the end of the hallway, his face darkening when he saw the panic in his daughter’s eyes. “What’s going on?”Riley quickly filled him in, her voice trembling as she explained the situation. River’s jaw clenched, and he stepped forward, grabbing Tiffany’s arm to stop her.“Slow down,” he ordered. “Running in without a plan isn’t going to help anyone. You don’t even know what you’re walking into.”“I don’t care!” Tiffany shouted, tears welling in her eyes. “If something happened to Jacob—”River’s grip tightened just enough to keep her grounded. “And what if you get yourself killed
Tiffany studied the surveillance photos on her laptop again, studying each frame with a critical eye. There had to be something she missed, some clue that would unravel the mystery.As she zoomed in on one particularly grainy image, her breath caught in her throat.In the shadows behind Vincent and his sister was a figure, barely visible.Tiffany leaned in closer, squinting at the blurry figure. It was hard to make out the details, but there was something unmistakable about the shape, something familiar. The silhouette appeared to be tall, with broad shoulders—someone who was built like a fighter.Her heart pounded in her chest. The figure was too close to Vincent for comfort, and the way they stood, half-hidden in the shadows, made it clear they were trying to stay unnoticed. But why? And who was it?She snapped a screenshot of the image and adjusted the contrast, hoping to sharpen the details. The figure became slightly more visible, enough for Tiffany to catch a glimpse of a hand r
Vincent’s eyes widened slightly, but his expression remained composed. “Boss, I’m not sure what you’re talking about.”Tiffany slid a printout of the transcript across the desk. “Don’t play dumb with me, Vincent. I have proof of your little late-night chat. Start talking.”He glanced down at the paper, his brow furrowing as he read the words. When he looked back up, his gaze was steady. “It’s not what it looks like.”“Then enlighten me,” Tiffany said, leaning back in her chair. “Because from where I’m sitting, it looks like you’ve been feeding information to our enemies.”Vincent shook his head. “No, boss. I swear on my life, I would never betray the Red Vipers.”Aria, who had been silently observing the exchange, stepped forward. “Then who were you talking to, Vincent? And why all the secrecy?”Vincent licked his lips nervously, his eyes darting between Tiffany and Aria. “I was talking to my sister. She’s in trouble, mixed up with the wrong crowd. I’ve been trying to help her get out
Tiffany sat in her office, contemplating what to do next. A sharp knock interrupted her thoughts. “Come in,” she barked, composing herself.Marco, one of her most trusted men, entered. His usual swagger was muted, replaced by a nervous energy that set Tiffany’s teeth on edge.“You wanted to see me, boss?”Tiffany’s eyes narrowed. “The Rossi deal. How did our competitors know the exact terms?”Marco shifted his weight, not quite meeting her gaze. “I… I don’t know. Maybe someone overheard something?”“Bullshit,” Tiffany snapped, her patience evaporating. “That information was need-to-know. So either you’re incompetent, or you’re a rat.”Marco’s face flushed. “With all due respect, Ms. Foster, I’ve been loyal to this family for fifteen years. I would never—”“So, you have no idea how it could’ve happened?” Tiffany’s laugh was sharp and bitter. She had been doing some digging and something about Marco was off these days. And now with John dying suddenly…She advanced on Marco, her voice d
River looked up from the papers scattered across his desk, his piercing blue eyes meeting hers.“Tiffany,” River said. He gestured to the leather armchair across from him. “How are you holding up, sweetheart?” he asked.She moved woodenly, sinking into the chair. Its softness felt wrong, too comfortable for the weight of sorrow pressing down on her shoulders.“Not great, Dad,” she said.River nodded, his silence an invitation for her to continue. But the words wouldn’t come. They stuck in her throat, choking her with their intensity.Tiffany’s hands clenched in her lap, her nails digging crescents into her palms.“It has been hard on all of us. John was a valuable member of our family.” River’s voice was gentle, understanding.Tiffany nodded, a single tear escaping to trace a path down her cheek. She brushed it away angrily, hating the weakness it represented.“I should have been there,” she said, the words tumbling out in a rush.River’s eyes softened, a flicker of pain crossing his
The drive home was a blur of streetlights and racing thoughts. Tiffany pulled into her driveway, the familiar sight of her family’s sprawling estate doing little to calm her nerves. She needed to talk to someone, someone who always understood.“Riley will know what to do,” she muttered, heading towards Riley's room.She knocked on her door, but no one answered.“Um…Miss Tiffany.”She turned around and smiled at their housekeeper. “Yes, Alison?”“Miss Riley went to the dentist with Sky. She won’t be home for a few hours. Is there something you need?” Alison asked.“No. Where is Dad?” she asked.“Mr. Foster went out of town to take care of something.”“Where is John?” Tiffany asked.“I hadn’t seen him since he went to the pool house this morning,” Alison said.Tiffany headed toward the pool house, where her longtime bodyguard and driver, John, was staying. He had helped her through her transition to take her father’s position, so whenever she needed advice, he was always there for her.T
Tiffany stared at her reflection in the vanity mirror, her jaw set with determination. Vargas’ words echoed in her mind, fueling a fire within her.“I’ll show him,” she muttered, clenching her fists. “I’ll show them all.”The encounter with Vargas had shaken her, but it had also awakened something - a fierce resolve to prove herself as a leader within the Red Vipers. Tiffany took a deep breath, squaring her shoulders.“I’m not just some princess,” she told her reflection. “I’m River Foster’s daughter. This is my birthright.”But even as the words left her lips, doubt crept in. Was she really cut out for this life? Could she handle the weight of leadership, the constant danger?Tiffany shook her head, pushing the thoughts aside. She had to stay focused.Standing from the vanity, Tiffany moved to her closet and selected a sleek black dress. As she slipped it on, Tiffany felt confident.“You’ve got this,” she whispered, smoothing down the fabric. “Just remember what Dad taught you.”Her
Vargas’s grin widened, his amusement deepening as he leaned back in his chair and clapped his hands twice. The sharp sound echoed in the room, and a moment later, the door behind him creaked open.Two burly men dragged in a scrawny, disheveled figure who looked terrified.The man was dumped carelessly on the floor. Vargas gestured lazily toward him.“Meet the Rat,” Vargas said, his tone almost casual. “His name’s Eddie. Loyal to your family for years—or so you thought.”Tiffany’s gaze flicked to Eddie. She felt a twist in her stomach, but she forced her expression to remain cold and detached. This was a test, she reminded herself. She couldn’t afford to show weakness.Eddie’s bloodshot eyes widened as they focused on her. “Miss Foster,” he croaked, his voice barely above a whisper. “Please, I didn’t mean to—”“Shut him up,” Vargas snapped, and one of the men delivered a swift kick to Eddie’s side, silencing him with a pained grunt.Tiffany turned her attention back to Vargas. “You wan